At Ellen Wilkinson we offer a wide range of languages and believe that all pupils should be entitled and enabled to study a foreign language up to GCSE level if not beyond. We adopt a communicative approach combining active use of language in real life situations with a rigorous study of grammar and language structures which provide the building blocks of learning a language. We place a strong emphasis on study skills that enable pupils to become independent and confident learners. Lessons reflect this ethos with a balance of active language practice (speaking, writing reading and listening) and language theory.

All pupils study French in Year 7 in most cases building on the foundations introduced at KS2 in primary school. However, we cater for both beginners and non-beginners and by the end of the Autumn term any complete beginners will have caught up.

In Year 8, most pupils will be offered the opportunity to study a second foreign language alongside French. Current choices include Spanish, German, Mandarin and Latin. At the end of Year 8, pupils make their GCSE choices either opting to continue either with both languages or to focus on one. Languages are a vital life skill and language qualifications also improve a pupils’ employability and appeal to colleges and universities so we expect most pupils to continue.

We follow a three year GCSE course providing ample time to introduce, consolidate and assess key language and skills before the GCSE exams at the end of Year 11. At KS4 lessons incorporate use of authentic resources and pupils work with our native speaker foreign language assistants.

At KS5 students have the opportunity to continue their study to pre-university level in French and Spanish and Arabic for those who have completed a GCSE course.

Curriculum

KS3

In Year 7 all pupils study French and have two double lessons per week, a total of 2 hours 30 minutes. This continues into Year 8 where an additional double lesson in the second language is timetabled. The main details of the topics and language skills covered during each year in each subject are included in the table below. Pupils are summatively assessed in all GCSE language skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing) skills at least once per term with shorter interim tests. A key component of pupil’s learning is independent learning and we expect pupils to complete alternating language production (comprehension, guided writing, grammar practice) and learning (vocabulary) homework.

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

Year 7

French:

Personal Information
Physical Appearance
Favourite things

French:

Personality

Family / friends

Home life

School life
Leisure time

Taster sessions for German, Spanish, Latin and Mandarin (Chinese)

French:

Food and drink
Preferences

Home town / area

Supporting language structures and grammar

Year 8

French:
Lifestyle

Music
Fashion and style

Spanish / German:

Personal Information
Physical Appearance

Personality

Family / friends

French:
Holidays and tourism

Festivals

Spanish / German:

School Life

Leisure time

French:
Life in French-speaking countries in Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean

Spanish / German:

House, home and neighbourhood

Supporting language structures and grammar

Activities to do at home

There are an increasing variety of web-based materials that pupils can use to build on their learning and have fun with languages. Pupils are given a password to the main interactive platform we use in class www.kerboodle.com but we also recommend the following websites the majority of which are searchable by topic:

KS4

At KS4 pupils in French, Spanish and German follow the new AQA specifications which allocate equal marks to reading, listening, writing and speaking skills. There is no coursework and all exams take place at the end of Year 11. Pupils are assessed on their ability to understand (listen, read) and actively produce (write/speak) on a variety of topics as shown in the table below. Exam formats include multiple choice and short answers in the target language in reading and listening exams; longer extracts of guided and free writing; translation to and from the target language and conversation and discussion. A more complete overview of the GCSE exam structure and topics is available on the AQA website (see links below) .

Students following the Latin course will do the new Eduqas linear course which combines Latin language, literature and civilisation which were previously examined separately. Updated overviews of the new Eduqas-related Years 9 to 11 programmes will soon be ready.

KS5

At A level, students learn the language in the context of French, Spanish and Arabic speaking countries and issues and influences which have shaped them. Topics include technological and social change, highlights of artistic culture, including a focus on regional identities and the cultural heritage of past civilisations. In French and Spanish, students will study texts and film and will have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice. Assessment tasks will be varied and cover listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Entry to the French and Spanish courses is subject to obtaining a minimum B (2017 entrants) or provisionally a minimum Grade 6 (2018 entrants). Students wanting to enrol on the Arabic course are expected to have already independently sat and passed GCSE Arabic. We can assist with exam admissions but do not provide GCSE Arabic tuition.

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

Year 12

French / Spanish:

GCSE / A level bridging unit

Aspects of society:
Modern and traditional values

Cyberspace

Arabic:

Youth culture and concerns

Lifestyle: health and fitness

French / Spanish:

Aspects of society

Equal rights

Multiculturalism:
Immigration

Racism

Integration

Arabic:
The world around us: travel, tourism, environmental issues and the Arabic-speaking world

Please note that the current Edexcel Arabic specification is due to be withdrawn after the Summer 2018 exams and a proposed new specification will only be introduced (A level only, no AS) for exams in 2020. We have no information yet as to transitional 2018-2020 arrangements but assume the current specification will be extended in some shape or form. Please check the Arabic subject page on a regular basis for more information.

A serious channel but good for AL type listening. Also a great section on the French language (click: langue française then click: découvrir le français for all sorts of games & exercise for foreigners leaning French)